Contributor Alexandra Hughes

Contributor Alexandra Hughes has an MA in Fashion Bodywear from De Montfort University, Leicester. There she specialised in the fusion of under and outerwear, defining how precision and technology in garments can create innovation. Alexandra is particularly fascinated with interrogating garment archives of historical dress to examine technologies and components which can be incorporated into her contemporary work. Having the opportunity to handle garments and study the construction inside and out captivates her, especially how fabrics and techniques can be used to create beautiful and functional artefacts.

Based in the Midlands she currently teaches Costume Design and Construction within the Production Department of a specialist Performing Arts Academy in Birmingham. Previously she has taught Fashion Design and Construction in Further Education where her students gained Higher Education places and are currently studying in the top Universities throughout England. Her previous students are completing courses in a variety of Fashion and Textile disciplines. To keep her knowledge current she frequently visits exhibitions throughout England and in Europe where she studies historic and contemporary dress design and construction.

Having shown her own practical work at Birmingham Arts Festival, Midlands Fashion Designer Awards and Paris Mode City she is currently developing her research portfolio. Her current interests include the development of Couture techniques in Education and how these exquisite skills are being passed on to new generations. She is currently looking at the area of Couture and its origins, including how Couture transformed throughout periods of austerity and change in the major Fashion capitals throughout Europe.